Good news on the U.S. front. The ripple that never became a wave – thanks to vaccinations – is receding. It’s a gradual decline in nationwide cases, but it’s a good sign.
Across Europe cases are also decreasing, though in some countries like France and Germany much slower than others.
The current hot spots are in South America (eg, Uruguay) and Asia (India, Japan).
Very good news!
Excellent news. Thank you. It is a wonderful way to start the week.
To be proactive the U.S. and other countries MUST anticipate where the next surges will be. My guess is parts of Asia and Africa. Vaccine coverage is very, very low in most parts of the world. Being ahead of the virus has not been our policy strong suit, clearly.
We have done a really bad job so far of anticipating.
Really great news thanks!
Ugh! For the third time, my son’s appointment for his first dose fell through this morning. The issue is that he is 17 years old, so his only option is Pfizer. I have a feeling that the extreme temperature requirements and short shelf life lead to these last-minute cancellations. Perhaps there is also some prioritization going on when supplies are unexpectedly low and he is in the first group to be cancelled.
Sorry to hear that. Just a thought, perhaps you should register at a different vaccination site?
Go with cvs then. They have openings all the time now. Literally just checked right now entering in the age of 17 and doing my zip code and found appointments for today in Holbrook and multiple locations on Wednesday. (For pfizer)
Thanks. We often check all the sites and right now there is nothing closer than an hour that does not conflict with his school schedule. I’m pretty sure we will get something in a few days. If not, I’ll try at 3:00 AM some morning.
I forget where you are and suspect I have asked you recently. Also, will school give him work to make up?
Slots tend to open up at precisely 12:30AM. The newer slots are for four days in advance. So if you are awake at 12:30AM tonight the newest slots would be for Saturday. (Just double checked on the cvs site and I am correct as today the furthest appointments out are on Friday.)
Ugh.
The site in Uxbridge has also has had openings. They have Pfizer only.
Vicki in response to the article you posted yesterday about 8% of people skipping second doses: a good friend of mine considered skipping their second dose after I relayed my experience with my second dose (I wasn’t going to lie, of course.) I told them they ought to get it and told them the whole science’s vaccine vs nature’s vaccine thing I said on this blog a couple days ago. Some people have this idea that the 51% immunity from the first pfizer shot or the 75-80% immunity from moderna’s first shot is all they need and they’d rather not chance experiencing anything else. It’s hard enough convincing people to get their first shot!
I’d like to say I don’t understand. But then I have not had the shingles vaccine for various reasons…most legitimate …but one reason is its side effects.
It is a fine line, partly because I do not completely trust our government. And I don’t think I am close to being alone. I’m still trying to figure out how JJ was back on the market in a matter of days. Yes, there are not many who die from blood clots which somehow doesn’t worry those in charge. But maybe try and tell that to the families of those who lost loved ones.
I’m hearing that numbers getting vaccines are declining and we may have excess vaccines in the not to distant future. If we have enough Pfeizer and moderna, why not take more time with JJ which was rushed initially let alone now
The reasoning for rushing with moderna is that growing number of people not wanting the second dose. The J&J being one and done is the key to getting people more keen to take it. Especially those who don’t want to deal with going in twice and chancing two different times where they could have a reaction. Plus there are scores of people who have been told j&j is the best one for their particular medical history.
Thanks Dr S. I knew part of it is because folks don’t want two. I also know a number of folks who have had reactions to JJ much like yours and mine. I don’t much support not wanting to bother with a second dose as a reason.
Do you know what type of health reason would favor JJ. I do support that of course but then maybe limit it to that.
The up side is people are now aware there is a potential problem. But also believe JJ should not be the only choice at any facility. Just thinking out loud
Vicki, I got my shingles vaccine last August at CVS and had no reaction. My doctor told me that it’s one-and-done so I’m good for life. It’s not an annual shot like the flu.
I could not get one originally because it was a live virus. My grandkids arrived such that there was never a time all of them had their chicken pox vaccines. Then I could not have the vaccine when Mac was battling cancer.
I will get it once this gets past a bit. I don’t think I am comfortable enough yet to have it so close to the covid vaccine. I do have friends who reacted to the shingles much as they did to covid vaccine
Good news! My son has an appointment for Pfizer at a nearby CVS this Friday. We live in Lunenburg and the CVS is right next door in Fitchburg.
Let’s just hope that this one sticks!
Yep….I asked you where a few weeks ago. Sorry about that. Darn. Not close to here
Good luck
I’m hearing some CVS are requiring parental signature and some are not but I’m assuming you are going with your son
Good to hear, SClarke, about your son’s appointment for his 1st dose at a local CVS.
Interesting finding: The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plummeted this year, likely caused by physical distancing and masking protocols. RSV is a leading cause of infant death.
We also know the influenza declined worldwide to minimal numbers of cases.
While I am not in favor of maintaining mask mandates, I do think we should consider voluntarily wearing masks more often indoors during the fall and winter months, especially if we have any (lingering) cold symptoms, or simply as a preventive measure. I will be doing this.
I am sure masks and distancing was the largest factor in the decline of several illnesses. I’ve said before that parents not being able to send kids to,school when ill has to have made a bog difference also.
As far as masks. I am completely in favor of continuing the mandate. Even with the mandate, I see about 50/50 mask wearing
But then the counter argument would be folks who think of others as well as themselves will wear masks without being told and others won’t….mandate or no.
Oh and since our ability to be proactive is nonexistent, once you remove the mandate, beginning it again if and when one of the new variants makes a run for us will be a lesson in futility.
Turkey has just announced its strictest lockdown yet. Its Covid-19 numbers have been rising steadily.
Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also seeing dramatically rising numbers of cases.
Tomorrow I’ll report on the progress that has been made in Europe, South America, and North America, but also the stubborn resistance of the virus in these three continents. In North America, the U.S. has beaten back the variants with vaccinations. Still quite a number of hot spots. But, we’re winning the battle. Canada (except for the Atlantic provinces) and Mexico are currently in more trouble than we are.
Speaking of masks, President Biden is going to announce tomorrow relaxing of wearing masks outdoors with social distancing.
I’ll borrow a familiar phrase from JPD if I may
&#$$(&:+/$*=37=#&26$.:(
All state universities will require all students and employees to get vaccinated this fall.
This includes Mass. College of Art where I work. 🙂
Joshua, do you think testing will still be performed at these locations institutions once vaccinations are completed for the student and employee population? Currently everyone at my school gets tested weekly.
Due to vaccine inequity and inadequate healthcare systems the mortality will be severe in many of the developing nations. We already see evidence of this – though there is a tremendous amount of under-reporting of deaths in countries like India and Brazil.
I got my vaccine appointment Thursday afternoon and getting Johnson and Johnson. I am hoping for just a sore arm and fatigue and no bad reactions.
Wishing you no more than a sore arm and being sleepy
Thank you Vicki. I talked to the pharmacist who works at the place I am going and he said the chances of blood clots are the same as being struck by lightning. When I heard that it made me feel better.
Very very wise. I know a good number of folks who have had JJ including the personal trainer I’m working with (virtually) and all are fine. I’d be more concerned for me ….I’m old 😉
They have had some reactions but those are a good thing
Good news on the U.S. front. The ripple that never became a wave – thanks to vaccinations – is receding. It’s a gradual decline in nationwide cases, but it’s a good sign.
Across Europe cases are also decreasing, though in some countries like France and Germany much slower than others.
The current hot spots are in South America (eg, Uruguay) and Asia (India, Japan).
Very good news!
Excellent news. Thank you. It is a wonderful way to start the week.
To be proactive the U.S. and other countries MUST anticipate where the next surges will be. My guess is parts of Asia and Africa. Vaccine coverage is very, very low in most parts of the world. Being ahead of the virus has not been our policy strong suit, clearly.
We have done a really bad job so far of anticipating.
Really great news thanks!
Ugh! For the third time, my son’s appointment for his first dose fell through this morning. The issue is that he is 17 years old, so his only option is Pfizer. I have a feeling that the extreme temperature requirements and short shelf life lead to these last-minute cancellations. Perhaps there is also some prioritization going on when supplies are unexpectedly low and he is in the first group to be cancelled.
Sorry to hear that. Just a thought, perhaps you should register at a different vaccination site?
Go with cvs then. They have openings all the time now. Literally just checked right now entering in the age of 17 and doing my zip code and found appointments for today in Holbrook and multiple locations on Wednesday. (For pfizer)
Thanks. We often check all the sites and right now there is nothing closer than an hour that does not conflict with his school schedule. I’m pretty sure we will get something in a few days. If not, I’ll try at 3:00 AM some morning.
I forget where you are and suspect I have asked you recently. Also, will school give him work to make up?
Slots tend to open up at precisely 12:30AM. The newer slots are for four days in advance. So if you are awake at 12:30AM tonight the newest slots would be for Saturday. (Just double checked on the cvs site and I am correct as today the furthest appointments out are on Friday.)
Ugh.
The site in Uxbridge has also has had openings. They have Pfizer only.
Vicki in response to the article you posted yesterday about 8% of people skipping second doses: a good friend of mine considered skipping their second dose after I relayed my experience with my second dose (I wasn’t going to lie, of course.) I told them they ought to get it and told them the whole science’s vaccine vs nature’s vaccine thing I said on this blog a couple days ago. Some people have this idea that the 51% immunity from the first pfizer shot or the 75-80% immunity from moderna’s first shot is all they need and they’d rather not chance experiencing anything else. It’s hard enough convincing people to get their first shot!
I’d like to say I don’t understand. But then I have not had the shingles vaccine for various reasons…most legitimate …but one reason is its side effects.
It is a fine line, partly because I do not completely trust our government. And I don’t think I am close to being alone. I’m still trying to figure out how JJ was back on the market in a matter of days. Yes, there are not many who die from blood clots which somehow doesn’t worry those in charge. But maybe try and tell that to the families of those who lost loved ones.
I’m hearing that numbers getting vaccines are declining and we may have excess vaccines in the not to distant future. If we have enough Pfeizer and moderna, why not take more time with JJ which was rushed initially let alone now
The reasoning for rushing with moderna is that growing number of people not wanting the second dose. The J&J being one and done is the key to getting people more keen to take it. Especially those who don’t want to deal with going in twice and chancing two different times where they could have a reaction. Plus there are scores of people who have been told j&j is the best one for their particular medical history.
Thanks Dr S. I knew part of it is because folks don’t want two. I also know a number of folks who have had reactions to JJ much like yours and mine. I don’t much support not wanting to bother with a second dose as a reason.
Do you know what type of health reason would favor JJ. I do support that of course but then maybe limit it to that.
The up side is people are now aware there is a potential problem. But also believe JJ should not be the only choice at any facility. Just thinking out loud
Vicki, I got my shingles vaccine last August at CVS and had no reaction. My doctor told me that it’s one-and-done so I’m good for life. It’s not an annual shot like the flu.
I could not get one originally because it was a live virus. My grandkids arrived such that there was never a time all of them had their chicken pox vaccines. Then I could not have the vaccine when Mac was battling cancer.
I will get it once this gets past a bit. I don’t think I am comfortable enough yet to have it so close to the covid vaccine. I do have friends who reacted to the shingles much as they did to covid vaccine
Good news! My son has an appointment for Pfizer at a nearby CVS this Friday. We live in Lunenburg and the CVS is right next door in Fitchburg.
Let’s just hope that this one sticks!
Yep….I asked you where a few weeks ago. Sorry about that. Darn. Not close to here
Good luck
I’m hearing some CVS are requiring parental signature and some are not but I’m assuming you are going with your son
First case of JJ blood clot in US
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/04/26/covid-19-johnson-johnson-vaccination-ucsf-male-blood-clot/
Good to hear, SClarke, about your son’s appointment for his 1st dose at a local CVS.
Interesting finding: The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plummeted this year, likely caused by physical distancing and masking protocols. RSV is a leading cause of infant death.
We also know the influenza declined worldwide to minimal numbers of cases.
While I am not in favor of maintaining mask mandates, I do think we should consider voluntarily wearing masks more often indoors during the fall and winter months, especially if we have any (lingering) cold symptoms, or simply as a preventive measure. I will be doing this.
I am sure masks and distancing was the largest factor in the decline of several illnesses. I’ve said before that parents not being able to send kids to,school when ill has to have made a bog difference also.
As far as masks. I am completely in favor of continuing the mandate. Even with the mandate, I see about 50/50 mask wearing
But then the counter argument would be folks who think of others as well as themselves will wear masks without being told and others won’t….mandate or no.
Oh and since our ability to be proactive is nonexistent, once you remove the mandate, beginning it again if and when one of the new variants makes a run for us will be a lesson in futility.
Turkey has just announced its strictest lockdown yet. Its Covid-19 numbers have been rising steadily.
Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also seeing dramatically rising numbers of cases.
Tomorrow I’ll report on the progress that has been made in Europe, South America, and North America, but also the stubborn resistance of the virus in these three continents. In North America, the U.S. has beaten back the variants with vaccinations. Still quite a number of hot spots. But, we’re winning the battle. Canada (except for the Atlantic provinces) and Mexico are currently in more trouble than we are.
Speaking of masks, President Biden is going to announce tomorrow relaxing of wearing masks outdoors with social distancing.
I’ll borrow a familiar phrase from JPD if I may
&#$$(&:+/$*=37=#&26$.:(
All state universities will require all students and employees to get vaccinated this fall.
This includes Mass. College of Art where I work. 🙂
Joshua, do you think testing will still be performed at these locations institutions once vaccinations are completed for the student and employee population? Currently everyone at my school gets tested weekly.
Pandemic appears to be entering a phase in which the developing/emerging market world will bear the brunt of the disease, moving forward. https://twitter.com/fibke/status/1386714688164032521/photo/1
Due to vaccine inequity and inadequate healthcare systems the mortality will be severe in many of the developing nations. We already see evidence of this – though there is a tremendous amount of under-reporting of deaths in countries like India and Brazil.
I got my vaccine appointment Thursday afternoon and getting Johnson and Johnson. I am hoping for just a sore arm and fatigue and no bad reactions.
Wishing you no more than a sore arm and being sleepy
Thank you Vicki. I talked to the pharmacist who works at the place I am going and he said the chances of blood clots are the same as being struck by lightning. When I heard that it made me feel better.
Very very wise. I know a good number of folks who have had JJ including the personal trainer I’m working with (virtually) and all are fine. I’d be more concerned for me ….I’m old 😉
They have had some reactions but those are a good thing
Data from testing in a Nepalese town on the border with India. The test positivity percentages are beyond belief. Apparently the R(t) is nearing an astounding 2.5 in Nepal. Goodness. https://twitter.com/bijayacharya/status/1386703227060723714/photo/1
C-19 for 4-27 is ready.